Alternative (Low Energy) Fuel Applications

transcript

Alternative (Low Energy)

Fuel Applications

Mike Fenton

Michigan CAT Power Systems

810-348-4020

Mike.Fenton@michigancat.com

One company.™ A multitude of solutions.

Alternative (Low Energy) Fuel Applications

Agenda

• Fuel

• Engine considerations

• Site operations

• Conclusion

Low Energy fuels have four major characteristics

– Quality (how “Good” is the fuel?)

– Quantity (how much fuel is there?)

– Consistency (How is the fuel changing?)

– Purity (quantity and type contaminants?)

• Quality – LHV Determined with

fuel sampling and the

CAT Methane Number

Program

– Used to determine

engine technologies

LEKQ6378

Why is quality important?

– Standard fuels like Diesel and Pipeline Natural are refined fuel

designed to be clean and consistent.

– This is not the case for Alternative fuels

– As a result, no two sites will share the same fuel characteristics,

even within the same application.

– Because of the nature of the source processes, these fuel

characteristics will change over time.

• Quantity

– Determined by source

– Usually expressed in a volumetric rate

(scf/day)

– Ideally expressed in an energy rate (Btu/min)

• Quantity – Used to select engine

– Used in the project

financial planning

(Energy produced)

Why is quantity important?

• Consistency

– Energy rate of change over time (X Btus/hr)

– Again a function of fuel source

– Will change over the life of a project

• Why is consistency important? – Understanding can be difficult. May require historical

sampling, predictive analysis, and collection system

control

– Used to drive engine

selection and Platform

– May also drive

additional controls

• Purity (Contaminants)

– Includes simple dirt and water, but alternative

fuel may also contain H2S, Silicon, Halides,

Ammonia

– Often expressed in volumetric concentration

(ppmv)

– Ideally expressed as mass per energy (µg/Btu)

• Why is purity important

– Significant effect on

O&M costs

– May also drive the

need for additional fuel

treatment

– Where do I put my

money?

Understanding the fuel is the critical success

factor when applying gas engines.

• Rating

• Engine selection (controls)

• Operation and Maintenance

What engine do I choose?

Not all engines are created equal

• Engine Design – Hardened materials

– Fuel system

– Electronic controls

– Cooling system temperatures

– Fuel treatment

– After treatment?

• Emissions

– Federal law (NSPS,

RICE NESHAP)

– Local Law (State, City,

– Attainment vs. Non-

attainment

– Most difficult piece

– Experts…worth $$$$$

• Efficiency

– Thermal, electrical

– Sounds great

– Important

– Effect?

• Reliability and availability

– Uptime percentage

– Parts availability

– Serviceability

• Site Operations

– Plan for it NOW!

– Who, what, where, when, why, how

– Endless structure possibilities

• Site Operations

– Most successful sites are self managed

– Equipment supplier is back stop

– Parts inventory onsite

– Trained professionals

Thank you

Mike Fenton

Michigan CAT Power Systems

810-348-4020

Mike.Fenton@michigancat.com

Alternative (Low Energy) Fuel Applications

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